Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay broke down in tears while presenting job appointment letters to the families impacted by the Karur stampede, which resulted in 41 fatalities during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in September 2025. The event was marked by deep emotional moments as Vijay, dressed in black, struggled to hold back his emotions while comforting the bereaved relatives. He referred to the tragedy as an “unhealed wound,” demonstrating the weight the incident places on his heart.

Visuals captured during the occasion showed Vijay embracing grieving family members as they stood silently, highlighting the collective sorrow present in the gathering. The Chief Minister looked downcast at various moments while handing over the appointment documents, signifying the gravity of the situation he faced. He frequently paused during his address, reflecting on the lives lost in the unfortunate event that transpired during the TVK’s election campaign rally, which had drawn thousands of supporters.

First Official Visit Since Taking Office

On Friday, Vijay undertook his first official visit to Karur since becoming Chief Minister in May. This visit aimed to prioritise the rehabilitation of families affected by the stampede, while simultaneously inaugurating a significant industrial project in the region. Previously, he had visited the victims’ families in Chennai, showing his commitment to addressing their needs.

During the gathering, Vijay took the opportunity to criticise the previous government, specifically regarding its crowd management strategies during the rally. He expressed that he had placed full trust in the police, having commended them after the tragic event. However, he alleged that this trust was betrayed due to the shortcomings leading to the stampede. Additionally, Vijay accused the DMK party of attempting to gain “political mileage” from the unfortunate incident, claiming that there were efforts to obstruct his visit to Karur after the tragedy.

“His remarks included pointed questions regarding accountability, as he asked, “Who is responsible for this? Under whose instructions was all this done?” His statements underscored the frustration he felt in the wake of the events surrounding the stampede.

Court Ruling on Compassionate Appointments

The event proceeded shortly after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declined to stay the compassionate appointments, despite receiving petitions that challenged the decision. The court specified that these appointments would be provisional and contingent upon the final outcome of the legal proceedings.

Vijay’s speech during this emotionally charged event was accompanied by the unveiling of a rehabilitation package for the affected families that includes various welfare measures and financial assistance already extended to them. This package aims to support their recovery from the devastating impacts of the incident.

In conjunction with the rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1,700-crore footwear manufacturing project in Karur district. The initiative is expected to create approximately 13,500 jobs, marking a significant step towards economic recovery in the region following the tragic events of the stampede.

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